Monthly Spotlight Series

This March, join Revolutionary Spaces as we recognize the 250th anniversary of Dr. Joseph Warren's dramatic Boston Massacre Memorial Speech delivered at the Old South Meeting House. Learn about Warren's life and contributions to the patriot cause, including his work as a physician, his famous 1775 address at Old South, and his tragic death at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Dress in a toga, as Warren did, and take a photo in front of our pulpit!

All month long, Revolutionary Spaces will spotlight the patriot who rode from Boston out to Lexington on the night of April 18, 1775, to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that British troops were on the move to arrest them. No, we're not talking about Paul Revere, we're talking about William Dawes! Come learn about Dawes' perilous ride from Boston to Lexington, read first-hand accounts describing his efforts, and do your best Dawes imitation on our period-accurate hobby horse. Also, join us to celebrate Dawes' 280th birthday on April 6th!

To commemorate Preservation Month throughout May, Revolutionary Spaces is spotlighting two key figures in the preservation of the Old State House and Old South Meeting House: Moses Gulesian and Mary Hemenway.

Visit the Old State House to learn how Gulesian, an Armenian immigrant who arrived in America with only a single Turkish pound in his pocket, put himself through English school, became a United States citizen, restored the lion and unicorn on top of the Old State House, and helped save the USS Constitution from becoming target practice for the U.S. Navy. At the Old South Meeting House, you'll learn about Mary Hemenway's various philanthropic projects, including helping poor Black and white children after the Civil War, promoting the health and wellness of Boston's school children, and using her social and financial resources to save Old South from demolition. Each site will feature primary sources to explore and activities to engage with.

Revolutionary Spaces is spotlighting the 260th anniversary of the Stamp Act Protests, which took place in Boston on August 14, 15, and 26, 1765. The protests were a response to the Stamp Act, a law passed by Parliament in 1765 that placed a direct tax on virtually all paper goods, from law degrees to playing cards. In Boston, opposition eventually turned violent. They hung effigies of government officials from the Liberty Tree and attacked and destroyed the homes of multiple royal officials, including Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson!

Visit the Old State House all month long to use our (tax-free) cards and dice to play colonial-era games. Instructions will be available on site or ask a member of our staff how to play. If you take a photo of your game, be sure to tag @RevSpaces on Facebook, Instagram, or X!

This October, Revolutionary Spaces is spotlighting Banned Books Week all month long.

Stop by the Old South Meeting House to learn more about the 19th-20th century “Banned in Boston” movement that saw a strict censorship of books, theatre, and film across the city.

Learn about censorship in Boston with copies of 19th-20th century newspapers reporting on censorship, take part in a hands-on bookmark-making craft, browse a curated info deck on both past and present banned books, and explore how the Old South Meeting House has helped amplify voices throughout history.

Share your bookmark on social media and tag us @RevSpaces for a chance to be featured on our page!